The deal that is needed this time, might be too much to hope for – certainly in the here and now and in the aftershock of an election in which the unionist majority disappeared.

These talks are not just about the issues that have to be resolved, but the fact that Sinn Fein has not moved on its publicly stated position that it will not serve in an Executive with Arlene Foster until the report of the RHI public inquiry is delivered.

Unless there is some dramatic, unexpected development in the days to come, these talks appear to be running out of road.

Adams and O’Neill appear under no pressure. They are not interested in a bad deal.

Sometimes I wonder whether political commentators understand the significance of the election we have just had. Instead of pure base sectarian politics, we had an election which focused specifically on ending corruption and the need for good, accountable governance; promoting equality and respect; and dealing inclusively with the past. Those parties which said “yes” to those three demands did well (SF, SDLP & Alliance), those who didn’t did badly (UUP and DUP).

We can call for devolution as much as we like but until Unionists accept the old times have gone and a clear majority of the electorate want change, real change, we should not get a return to Stormont. Agreements which do not deal positively with these issues are frankly not worth having

Arlene Foster couldnt swallow her pride for the sake of the people of N.I. to stand aside tempory .If there is another election Sinn Fein could overtake the DUP and become the biggest party with a sinn fein first minister Arlene are you prepared to take the risk. I woukd say pride is a commodity Arlene you cannot afford.